Saturday 3 February 2018 marked a new encounter for Women’s football seeing The Army Reserve Women’s Football (ARWF) team welcomed the RLC Women’s FA to Aldershot for their opening game of the season. A massive thanks goes to all the staff and players of the RLC who committed whole heartedly to this fixture and continue to grow the women’s game at all levels in the Army. The fixture allowed the coaching staff of the Army Reserve to evaluate where their own development has come to over the past three years and gave the RLC staff the chance to talent spot, especially with 6 RLC reserve players selected in the starting XI.

The fixture was played in cold wet conditions under flood lights at the Aldershot Military Stadium, both teams having high hopes that they would perform well and give a good account of themselves. Neither team disappointed with their commitment, work rate and team ethos. Both teams looked to get the ball on the floor and control the possession. An early through ball allowed Pte Lauren Daley (167 RLC) to open her legs and beat the keeper to ball, knocking it past her, after a last ditched attempt from the defence to clear the ball, saw it finally forced into the net. This early goal allowed the ARWF team to settle quicker and take control. Two further goals from Cpl Haynes (159 RLC) and Cpl Blodgett (256 Fd Amb) followed seeing the ARWF team go in at half time 3-0 to the good.

LCpl Lou Anderson (159 RLC) and Captain of the side was rested for the second half as she was playing for The New Saints in the Fourth Round of the Women’s FA Cup the next day against Chichester Ladies. This gave an opportunity to Pte Chantelle Dumbell (4 Lancs) to get on for her first game for the side. The initial encounters of the second half were dominated by the RLC, the determination to push higher up the pitch and get amongst the ARWF team was very evident and a well worked move saw a chance flash over the bar, quickly followed by a save from Sgt Kinga Gobiowski (4 Mercians, AMS). However, with this then allowed the AR to change their style of play and look to hit the RLC on the break capitalising on their pace up front and out wide. Two further quick goals from Pte Alex Smith (159 RLC) and Pte Daley who produced a delightful chip, a quality finish at any level seemed to end the RLC resillience.

The game moving into the final quarter gave both teams the chance to make a number of changes allowing squad players to get on and demonstrate their abilities, even a number of AR players representing for the RLC due to them missing a number of first team players. Knowing the RLC team and their current position at the top of the Women’s Corps league, they were not prepared to give up without a fight just yet and game back at the AR team, after forcing a number of saves out of Pte Victoria Wright (6 Rifle, AGC), a tremendous finish from RLC striker saw the ball come crashing down off the underside of the bar to give them their just reward. This seem to put life back into AR side who then closed the stronger of the two sides, with two further goals from LCpl Tammie Haynes (159 RLC) and one final goal from Pte Lauren Daley who secured her Hat trick in the 86 minute of the game, seeing her awarded with Army Reserve Representative Team Woman of the Match.

The ARWF team wish the RLC all the best in their future fixtures and in trying to secure both a league and cup double. Next up for the ARWF Team sees them welcome Swindon Town to Aldershot on Sunday 11th March 2018, kick-off at 1030hrs.